Name: Loaded Bacon Cheddar Fries with Ranch and Green Onions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz Frozen French Fries; 8-10 oz Cheddar Cheese, block form for shredding; 12 oz Bacon, diced; 2 Green Onions, finely diced; 1/4 cup Ranch Dressing; Sea salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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Introduction

Loaded fries are a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack perfect for any casual get-together or game day. Crispy French fries topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing make every bite irresistible.

A close-up view of a baking tray filled with golden crispy fries topped with melted orange cheddar cheese and creamy white sauce evenly drizzled on top. The fries are mixed with small pieces of browned bacon scattered throughout, and thinly sliced bright green scallions sprinkled over the dish. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz frozen French fries
8-10 oz cheddar cheese block (preferably shredded fresh)
12 oz bacon, diced and cooked
1/4 cup ranch dressing
2 green onions, finely diced
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Dice the raw bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a pan over medium heat until crisp. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Preheat your oven according to the frozen French fry package instructions, typically around 400°F (200°C).
Step 3: Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap to maintain crispiness. Bake according to package directions.
Step 4: While the fries bake, shred the cheddar cheese and finely dice the green onions.
Step 5: When the fries are done, season lightly with sea salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Layer the fries evenly with shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and some of the green onions.
Step 7: Return the loaded fries to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 8: Remove from the oven, drizzle with ranch dressing, and sprinkle the remaining green onions on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
For extra crispiness, spread fries on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation.
Substitute ranch dressing with sour cream or a spicy aioli for a different twist.
Add jalapeños or diced tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover loaded fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fries soggy.

How to Serve

A white square pan filled with a layered dish of crispy golden fries as the base, covered with melted orange cheddar cheese that stretches and blends into the fries, topped with small pieces of dark reddish-brown crispy bacon scattered all over, drizzled with creamy white ranch sauce, and garnished with chopped green onions spread evenly across the top. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh-cut potatoes. Just bake or fry them until crispy before adding toppings, keeping in mind they may require a different cooking time.

Can I prepare loaded fries ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble and heat loaded fries just before serving to maintain crispiness and freshness. You can cook the fries and bacon in advance and store them separately to save time.